Bonsai technique grow Banyan trees at home

INDORE: As the average sizes of houses in cities rapidly reduce, the space for gardens and trees have also shrunk. However several gardening enthusiasts have found ways of growing even banyan trees at home in a miniature form through the technique of bonsai.
Despite being an old technique, bonsai has developed as a newfound interest among many in the city who are eager to learn and cultivate these mini trees not just to use as an ornament at home but as a stress buster.
Many have also taken to growing bonsai plants as they are low maintenance than a real garden. But on the downside, a bonsai garden does not become self-sustaining once it matures and needs constant attention throughout the plants’ lives.
Classes and workshops to teach the art of bonsai are held in the city regularly in addition to exhibitions.
Enthusiast Neelam Taparia holds classes and workshops for children, youngsters and the elderly, teaching them ways to start bonsai gardens, taking care of the plants, making tray landscapes, etc.
“More and more people are showing interest and are also maintaining bonsai plants with proper care. I give four hours to my bonsai garden every day to keep it beautiful,” Taparia said.
While Indore has few nurseries that sell readymade bonsai plants, many enthusiasts make them at home and have a collection of old and mature bonsai plants that give the appearance of ancient trees.
Some people also experiment by giving them different shapes resembling ships or even the Olympic rings.
“My father loved making Bonsai plants and it fascinated me since my childhood. I started to experiment and have made some of the most exotic varieties that are common in China, Japan and Brazil,” Zafar Sheikh, a bonsai enthusiast said.